Land Management Proposal a Step in the Right Direction

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chelan County, Wash. Commission Chairman Ron Walter today testified in support of the discussion draft of the National Forest Management Improvement Act of 2015 recently released by the House Committee on Natural Resources. On behalf of the National Association of Counties (NACo), Walter explained that balanced, sustainable, locally-driven and active federal forest management is a priority for counties, particularly for the 26 percent of counties nationwide that have National Forest land.

Walter, who chairs NACo’s Public Lands Steering Committee, said, “This legislation would help to address the land management challenges we face every day. It promotes active forest management, streamlines regulatory processes, supports consensus-driven decisions and encourages equitable timber revenue-sharing with counties.”

He outlined for the Federal Lands Subcommittee key points supporting the draft legislation, including:

• Forest management has a direct impact on the health and safety of county residents because healthy forests are less prone to disease, infestation and wildfire. In recent years, significantly reduced forest management activities have resulted in 58 million acres of National Forest lands being at a high risk of catastrophic wildfire.
• Equitable revenue-sharing includes provisions to extend 25 percent revenue-sharing to stewardship contracting activities on federal forests. The draft bill also provides increased flexibility for counties’ efforts to provide critical services like law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations by updating Title III of the Secure Rural Schools program.
• Intergovernmental collaboration promotes locally-driven, sustainable forest management. From ensuring high-quality outdoor recreation to increasing economic growth opportunities, the discussion draft fosters collaboration between counties and the federal government to implement forest activities that will enhance the economic wellbeing and quality of life for millions of residents and visitors. 

“This draft bill is a strong step toward achieving more effective forest management,” said Walter. “Counties look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to promote active forest management that supports our communities.”